Press Review - June 9, 2017

06.09.2017 By Oana Gavrila

Grindeanu Says So-Called Tensions with Dragnea Artificially Maintained

Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu said Thursday someone wishes to purposefully maintain a so-called tension between himself and Social Democratic Party leader Liviu Dragnea.

He said his relationship with Dragnea is a respectful one.

“I noticed it from the beginning. My colleagues and I took the oath on January 4 and starting the first week in office there was talk of tensions, of things not being quite all right between me and Mr.

Dragnea. These talks have intensified lately but I want to assure you this is false,” said Grindeanu.

He said he talks to Dragnea several times a day, which is normal since he is the president of his party.

 

Dragnea: Challenging Wage Bill at Constitutional Court Delays Raises

Social Democratic Party leader Liviu Dragnea said he was disappointed the public sector wage bill could be challenged before the Constitutional Court.

He said he finds prosecutors' associations to contest the bill “deeply unfair” and prosecutors are upset they would receive less money than judges under the new wage grid.

He added the move would delay the application of the wage bill, which raises salaries across the board in the public sector.

 

Energy Regulator Suspends Tenders on Energy Exchange

Romania's energy regulator ANRE approved a decision Thursday suspending simultaneous tenders for the lowest price on the energy exchange market OPCOM until August 10.

The measure is expected to help reduce the impact of energy market prices on tariffs paid by end consumers.

 

National Road 57 To Be Repaired With State Funding

National Road 57, which connects Orsova and Moldova Noua along the Danube River, will be rehabilitated with money from the state budget, said transport minister Razvan Cuc.

Cuc said a first lot, of 5 km, will be up for tender in the upcoming period.

The road is 65 km long.

 

Lidl Sales in Romania Up 18% on Year in 2016, Profit Up 27%

Lidl's turnover in Romania exceeded RON5.5 billion (EUR1.23 billion) last year, 18% higher than in 2015.

Based on finance ministry data, ZF calculated Lidl's sales grew by more than RON850 million last year in Romania.

The company made a profit of RON217.7 million, up 27% on the year. The company had an average of 4,265 employees in 2016.